Doctor in Training - Life as a PhD Student

“ We would not have been Canadians if we had turned our backs on them [Ugandan Asian refugees] ”  – Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau, Toronto Star , September 25, 1972 In the wake of another heartbreaking story surrounding a Syrian refugee family denied entry to Canada and their tragic deaths, we are reminded that Canada is no longer on the outskirts of the current refugee crisis. With more than 60 million refugees world wide , a number that surpasses the levels of displacement following the conclusion of the Second World War, the international community is left wondering how things have taken such a dramatic turn in the wrong direction. But, what has been Canada’s response to the conflict in Syria and the droves of refugees it has created? 10,000 refugees over 3 years. The Harper government has applauded themselves for this well publicized and humanitarian endeavour but how does this compare to Canada’s history? What have been our previ...

Here's the latest from the adventure from the archives series! I hope you enjoy taking a look :) What:  A welcoming guide for Ugandan Asian refugees Who: Secretary of State and the Citizenship Branch When: December 1st 1972 Where: Canada So what: Showcases exactly what the Canadian government wanted refugees to know regarding life in Canada. It also reinforces the importance of collaboration between the several departments within the federal government and local NGOs, religious groups, and volunteers in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for newly arrived refugees. Here are some very interesting excerpts from the document: page 1 click to zoom " In addition, Uganda Asian committees have been set up in larger cities to assist you with your adjustment to your new homeland. They include representative of government, community organizations and the Asian community in Canada. " The welcome brochure outlines specifically how there are several Ugand...

This latest update looks at a hilarious little document I found regarding the 'interesting' things Ugandan Asian refugees in Canada like to eat! What:  The 1st monthly newsletter sent to all Ugandan Asian settlement committees across Canada Who: : This report is from Sarnia's Food Subcommittee When:    December 7th 1972 Where:     Sarnia, Ontario So What:  Showcases how interested these committees were in helping out the refugee community in any way they could. Remember these were voluntary bodies that did receive some government funding which mainly paid for the facilities and secretarial staff. This is a reminder of how well settlement operations work when local communities (no matter how big or small), volunteer groups, and the government collaborate with each other. Click to zoom As always here are some of my comments and analysis on parts of the report: The best part by far in this newsletter is the underlining and emphasis on PLA...

Hey there blog world! This week's adventure from the archives is definitely one that a few people have been waiting for. Fortunately, I was able to track down Trudeau's response as I've been making my way through the research I collected over the summer. What: The response from Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau to Major-General and President Idi Amin's original letter explaining why he had expelled the Asians When: January 17th 1973 Where: Uganda So what:   This letter outlines the rhetoric used by the Prime Minister to showcase how Uganda's expulsion decree violates basic principles of equality and how Canada has chosen to withdraw significant forms of economic aid since Canada does not support their decision. Unfortunately, I was not able to find that original letter just yet in the archives but I was able to find a telex which directly quoted the Prime Minister's letter. I have transcribed it in full below and don't worry I have added my...

Hey there blog world! Here is the latest post form the Adventures from the Archives Series . This time we'll be taking a look at the initial report regarding the settlement of those refugees that came to Canada by the end of November 1972 What: Report respecting to the Special Movement of Ugandan Asians Who: From the Director General Mr. M.G. Clark of the Foreign Service to Assistant Deputy Minister of Manpower and Immigration Mr. James Cross When: December 5th 1972 Where: Ottawa So What: The report outlines the early integration of Ugandan Asian refugees in terms of employment along with the interest of the Canadian government in recruiting some of the most enterprising and business savvy refugees. The report makes it quite clear that refugees were settled across the country.   The first page of the document outlines the basics of the operation in Uganda including how many visas were issued and the general operations on the ground in Kampala Uganda. The second page ...